RULES OF SQUASH – SINGLES

It is important to know the rules of squash, especially when you start to play in tournaments. Read the rules of a singles squash game as published and updated by the World Squash Federation.

Links to World Squash Federation Updates:

Singles Rules of Squash: https://www.worldsquash.org/rules-of-squash-2/
World Squash Federation webpage: https://www.worldsquash.org/

Effective 1 September 2025. To download the PDF file, click HERE.

Squash South Africa Code of Conduct

Squash SA Code of Conduct is also published at https://www.squashsa.co.za/documents/. The Code of Conduct is available below for easy reference.

Rules of Squash (Singles)

Introduction

Squash is played in a confined space, often at a high speed. Two principles are essential for orderly play:

Safety: Players must always place safety first and not take any action that could endanger the opponent.
Fair play: Players must respect the rights of the opponent and play with honesty.

1. The Game

2. Scoring

3. Officials

4. The Warm-Up

5. The Serve

6. The Play

If the serve is good, play continues as long as each return is good, or until a player requests a let or makes an appeal, or one of the Officials makes a call, or the ball hits either player or their clothing or the non-striker’s racket.
A return is good if the ball:
2.1. is struck correctly before it has bounced twice on the floor; and
2.2. without hitting either player, or their clothing or racket, hits the front wall, either directly or after hitting any other wall(s), above the tin and below the out-line, without having first bounced on the floor; and
2.3. rebounds from the front wall without touching the tin; and
2.4. is not out.

7. Intervals

A maximum of 1 minute is permitted between the end of the warm-up and the start of play, and 2 minutes between each game.
Players must be ready to resume play at the end of any interval, but play may resume earlier if both agree.
A maximum of 2 minutes is permitted to change damaged equipment. This includes glasses, protective eye-wear or a dislodged contact lens. The player must complete the change as quickly as possible, or the Referee must apply Rule 14. (Conduct).
Intervals in the case of injury or blood injury are specified in Rule 13. (Illness, Injury and Blood Injury).
During any interval either player may strike the ball.

8. Interference

8.11.4 if the ball would not have hit the non-striker, the provisions of 8.6 aapply.

12. Further Attempt
If the striker requests a let for interference while making a further attempt to strike the ball, and could have made a good return, then:
8.12.1. if the non-striker had no time to avoid the interference, a let is allowed.

8.13 Turning
Turning is the action of the player who strikes, or is in a position to strike, the ball to the right of the body after the ball has passed behind it to the left or vice versa, whether the player physically turns or not.

If the striker encounters interference while turning, and could have made a good return, then:
8.13.1. if the swing was prevented, even though the opponent was making every effort to avoid the interference, a stroke is awarded to the striker;
8.13.2. if the non-striker had no time to avoid the interference, a let is allowed;
8.13.3. if the striker could have struck the ball without turning, but turned in order to create an opportunity to request a let, no let is allowed.
8.13.4. When the striker turns, the Referee must always consider whether the action was dangerous and rule accordingly.

9. Ball Hitting A Player

If the ball, on its way to the front wall, hits the non-striker or the non-striker’s racket or clothing, play must stop; then:
9.1.1. if the return would not have been good, the non-striker wins the rally;
9.1.2. if the return was going directly to the front wall, and if the striker was making a first attempt without having turned, a stroke is awarded to the striker;
9.1.3. if the ball had hit or would have hit any other wall before the front wall and the striker had not turned, a let is allowed, unless the return would have been a winning return, in which case a stroke is awarded to the striker;
9.1.4. if the striker had not turned but was making a further attempt, a let is allowed;
9.1.5. if the striker had turned, a stroke is awarded to the non-striker, unless the non-striker made a deliberate movement to intercept the ball, in which case,
a stroke is awarded to the striker.
If the ball, on its return from the front wall, hits a player before bouncing twice on the floor, play must stop; then:
9.2.1. if the ball hits the non-striker or the non-striker’s racket, before the striker has made an attempt to strike the ball and no interference has occurred, the striker wins the rally, unless the striker’s position has caused the non-striker to be hit, in which case a let is allowed;
9.2.2. if the ball hits the non-striker, or the non-striker’s racket, after the striker has made one or more attempts to strike the ball, a let is allowed, providing the striker could have made a good return. Otherwise, the non-striker wins the rally;
9.2.3. if the ball hits the striker and there is no interference, the non-striker wins the rally. If interference has occurred, Rule 8 (Interference) applies.
9.3. If the striker hits the non-striker with the ball, the Referee must consider if the action was dangerous and rule accordingly.

10. Appeals

Either player may stop play during the rally and appeal against any lack of call by the Marker by saying “Appeal, please.”
The loser of a rally may appeal against any call or lack of a call by the Marker by saying “Appeal, please.”
If the Referee is uncertain which return is being appealed, the Referee must ask for clarification. If there is more than one appeal, the Referee must consider each one.
After the ball has been served, neither player may appeal anything that occurred before that serve, with the exception of a broken ball.
At the end of a game any appeal regarding the last rally must be immediate.
In response to an appeal against a Marker’s call or lack of call the Referee must:
10.6.1. if the Marker’s call or lack of call was correct, allow the result of the rally to stand; or
10.6.2. if the Marker’s call was incorrect, allow a let, unless the Marker’s call interrupted a winning return by either player, in which case award the rally to that player; or
10.6.3. if the Marker made no call on a serve or return that was not good, award the rally to the other player; or
10.6.4. if the Referee was uncertain whether the serve was good, allow a let; or
10.6.5. if the Referee was uncertain whether the return was good, allow a let, unless the Marker’s call interrupted a winning return by the other player, in which case award the rally to that player.
In all cases the Referee’s decision is final.

11. The Ball

If the ball breaks during a rally, a let is allowed for that rally.
If a player stops play to appeal that the ball is broken, and it is found that the ball is not broken, that player loses the rally.
If the receiver, before attempting to return serve, appeals that the ball is broken, and the ball is found to be broken, the Referee, if uncertain when it broke, must allow a let for the previous rally.
A player who wishes to appeal at the end of a game that the ball is broken must do so immediately and before leaving the court.
The ball must be changed if both players agree or if the Referee agrees with one player’s request.
If a ball has been replaced, or if the players resume the match after a delay, the players may warm up the ball. Play resumes when both players agree or at the discretion of the Referee, whichever is sooner.
The ball must remain in the court at all times, unless the Referee permits its removal.
If the ball becomes wedged in any part of the court, a let is allowed.
A let may be allowed if the ball touches any article in the court.
No let is allowed for any unusual bounce.

12. Distraction

Either player may request a let because of distraction but must do so immediately.
If the distraction was caused by one of the players, then:
12.2.1. if accidental, a let is allowed, unless a player’s winning return was interrupted, in which case the rally is awarded to that player;
12.2.2. if deliberate, Rule 15 (Conduct) must be applied.
If the distraction was not caused by one of the players, a let is allowed, unless a player’s winning return was interrupted, in which case the rally is awarded to that player.
At some events crowd reactions during play may occur. To encourage spectator enjoyment, Rule 12.3 may be suspended, and if sudden crowd noise occurs, players will be expected to continue play and referees will not ask spectators to be quiet. However, a player who stops play and requests a let because of a loud or isolated noise from off the court may be allowed a let for distraction.

13: Fallen Object

A player who drops a racket may pick it up and play on, unless the ball touches the racket, or distraction occurs, or the Referee applies a Conduct Penalty.
A striker who drops the racket because of interference may request a let.
A non-striker who drops the racket because of contact during the striker’s effort to reach the ball may request a let, and Rule 12 (Distraction) applies.
If any object, other than a player’s racket, falls to the floor during a rally, play must stop; then:
13.4.1. if the object fell from a player without any contact with the opponent, the opponent wins the rally;
13.4.2. if the object fell from a player because of contact with the opponent, a let is allowed, unless the striker has struck a winning return, or requests a let for interference, in which case Rule 8 (Interference) is applied;
13.4.3. if the object falls from a source other than a player, a let is allowed, unless;
13.4.4. the striker’s winning return was interrupted, in which case the rally is awarded to the striker;
13.4.5. if the object was not seen until the rally ended and had no effect on the outcome of the rally, the result of the rally stands.

14: Illness, Injury and Bleeding

Section 15: Conduct

Appendix 1: Definitions

Appendix 2: Officials’ Calls

2.1 MARKER

DOWN To indicate that a player’s return hit the tin, or the floor before reaching the front wall, or hit the front wall and then the tin.
FAULT To indicate that a serve was not good.
HAND OUT To indicate a change of server.
NOT UP To indicate that a return:
was not struck correctly; or
bounced more than once on the floor before being struck; or
touched the striker or the striker’s clothing.
OUT To indicate that a return:
hit the wall on or above the out-line; or
hit any fixture above the out-line; or
hit the top edge of any wall of the court or
passed over a wall and out of the court;
or passed through any fixture.
10-ALL: A PLAYER MUST WIN BY 2 POINTS
To indicate at 10-all that a player must lead by 2 points to win the game.
Called only on the first occurrence in a match.
GAME BALL To indicate that a player requires one point to win the game.
MATCH BALL To indicate that a player requires one point to win the match.
YES, LET/ LET To repeat the Referee’s decision that a rally is to be replayed.
STROKE TO (PLAYER or TEAM)
To repeat the Referee’s decision to award a stroke to a player or team.
NO LET To repeat the Referee’s decision that a request for a let is disallowed.

Examples of Marker’s Calls

Match introduction:
“Smith to serve, Jones to receive, best of 5 games, love-all.”
Order of calls:
i) Anything affecting the score (e.g. Stroke to Brown).
ii) The score with the server’s score always called first.
iii) Comments on the score (e.g. Game ball).
Calling the score:
“Not up. Hand out, 4–3.”
“Yes let, 3–4.”
“Stroke to Jones, 10–8, Game Ball.”
“Fault, hand out, 8–3.”
“Not up, 10-all: a player must win by 2 points.”
“10–8, Match Ball.”
“13–12, Match Ball.”
End of a game:
“11–3, game to Smith. Smith leads 1 game to love.”
“11–7, game to Jones. Smith leads 2 games to 1.”
“11 – 8, match to Jones, 3 games to 2, 3–11, 11–7, 6–11, 11– 9, 11– 8.”
Start of successive games:
“Smith leads 1 game to love. Love-all.”
“Smith leads 2 games to 1. Jones to serve, love-all.”
“2 games all. Smith to serve, love-all.”

2.2 REFEREE

FIFTEEN SECONDS To advise that 15 seconds of a permitted interval remain.
HALF-TIME To advise that 2 minutes of the warm-up period have passed.
LET / PLAY A LET To advise that a rally is to be replayed in circumstances where the wording “Yes, Let” is not appropriate (e.g. when neither player has requested a let).
NO LET To disallow a let.
STROKE TO (player or team)
To advise that a stroke is being awarded.
TIME To indicate that a permitted interval has elapsed.
YES, LET To allow a let.
CONDUCT WARNING To advise that a Conduct Warning is being issued, e.g.:
“Conduct Warning Smith for delaying play.”
CONDUCT STROKE To advise that a Conduct Stroke is being awarded, e.g.:
“Conduct Smith, Stroke to (other player or team) for delay of game.”
CONDUCT GAME To advise that a Conduct Game is being awarded, e.g.:
“Conduct Jones, Game to (other player or team) for abuse of opponent.”
CONDUCT MATCH To advise that a Conduct Match is being awarded, e.g.:
“Conduct Jones, Match to (other player or team) for dissent to Referee.”

Appendix 3: Alternative Scoring Systems

Point-a-rally scoring to 15
Rule 2 (Scoring) is replaced by (see italics):
2.1 The winner of a rally scores 1 point and serves to begin the next rally.
2.2 Each game is played to 15 points, except that if the score reaches 14-all, the game continues until one player leads by 2 points.
2.3 A match is normally the best of 5 games, but may be the best of 3.
Hand-in/hand-out scoring
Rule 2 (Scoring) is replaced by (see italics):
2.1 The server, on winning a rally, scores a point; the receiver, on winning a rally, becomes the server without a change of score.
2.2 Each game is played to 9 points, except that if the score reaches 8-all, the receiver chooses, before the next service, to continue that game either to 9 (known as “Set 1”) or to 10 (known as “Set 2”). The receiver must clearly indicate this choice to the Marker, Referee and the opponent.
2.3 A match is normally the best of 5 games, but may be the best of 3.

Appendix 4: The Three-Referee System

Appendix 5: Video Review

May be used where the technology is available.

RULES/PROCEDURE

A player may request a review of an Interference decision of Let, Stroke or No Let only, but may not appeal any Marker calls. Each player has one review per game; if the original decision is overruled, the player retains the review.
The player must clearly and immediately ask the Central Referee (CR) for a “Video Review, please.”
The CR then states: “Video review, please, (player’s name), on the Yes, Let/No Let/Stroke decision.”
The replays will be shown on the screens.
The decision of the Video Review Official, whose decision is final, will be displayed on the screens.
The CR then states either: “Yes, Let/No Let/Stroke decision upheld, (player’s name) has no review remaining”; or “Yes, Let/No Let/Stroke decision overruled, (player’s name) has 1 review remaining.”
When the score reaches 10-all, each player will have only 1 further review available. Unused reviews may not be carried over beyond the score of 10-all or into any following games. The CR announces: “10-all, a player must win by 2 points. Each player has 1 review available.”
If a video review is unavailable because of technical difficulties, this will not count as a review
being used.

Appendix 6: Protective Eyewear

The WSF recommends that all squash players should wear protective eyewear, manufactured to an appropriate National Standard, properly over the eyes at all times during play, including the warmup. Current National Standards for Racket Sport Eye Protection are published by the Canadian Standards Association, the United States ASTM, Standards Australia/New Zealand and British Standards Institution. It is the responsibility of the player to ensure that the quality of the product worn is appropriate for the purpose.

Protective eyewear, meeting any of the above standards (or equivalent), is mandatory for all doubles and junior events sanctioned by the WSF.

Appendix 7: Technical Specifications

Appendix 8: Specifications of Squash Balls

Appendix 9: Dimensions of a squash racket

Appendix 10: Coaching Limitations

Coaching is considered to be communication, advice, or instruction of any kind and by any means to a player, and during matches is only permitted in the intervals between games.

Player Analysis Technology

Player analysis technology as detailed here may be incorporated into the playing equipment of players if it allows that the equipment specification to continue to be adhered to. Any equipment affixed to the body of a player must fulfill safety and other Rules, as applicable.

Player analysis technology is equipment that may perform any of the following functions with respect to player performance information:
A. Recording
B. Storing
C. Transmission
D. Analysis
E. Communication to the player by any kind or means.

Player analysis technology may record and/or store information during a match. Such information may not be accessed by a player during a match.

Squash South Africa – Code of Conduct

1. General

1.1 Purpose

The purpose of this code is to ensure:

The orderly, fair administration and conduct of any event run under the auspices of Squash South Africa or under the auspices of any of the Associations which are members of, or affiliated to, Squash South Africa.
The orderly and fair administration of the game of squash by all member associations or bodies affiliated to Squash South Africa.
The orderly and fair administration of the game of squash as promoted by an independent promoter.
Observance of a Code of Ethics by all players participating in squash.

1.2 Applicability

The code shall apply to any and all squash players who participate in any tournament, championship or league which is held under the auspices of Squash South Africa or any of the associations which are members of, or affiliated to, Squash South Africa.
The code shall apply to any administrator involved in the administration of squash at any level within South Africa and who thereby falls under the auspices of Squash South Africa.
The code shall apply to any promoter involved in the promotion of any event in South Africa which falls under the auspices of Squash South Africa

1.3 Action

Action under the Code may be initiated by a Match Referee, Tournament Referee, Tournament Director or any official Squash South Africa Representative.

2. Code of Ethics

2.1 A Player’s Integrity and Responsibility

A player’s integrity and responsibility encompasses all aspects of squash including relations with manufacturers, spectators, administrators, sponsors and fellow players.

Players shall use their best efforts to play squash of the caliber and with the skill with which he/she is capable.
Players shall show respect for the game of squash.
Players shall play the game in a sportsmanlike manner.
Players shall dress and present themselves for play in clean and customarily acceptable squash attire.
For functions players shall wear appropriate dress for the occasion and the environment.
Players shall observe all the rules.
Match play shall not only be continuous but players should take care not to permit the time between rallies to appear slow.
Stalling is unsportsmanlike, unfair to opponents and disrespectful to spectators.
Players shall show common courtesy towards their opponents eg passing the ball, opening the door, thanking for the match.
Players shall own up to returns which are not good eg second bounce, double hit and the ball touching the tin.
Players shall show common courtesy and respect towards the technical officials. There shall be no undue disputing of any decision of a Marker or referee. The player shall not be rude, offensive or belligerent towards the Marker or Referee. The player shall thank the Marker and the Referee.
Players shall show common courtesy towards administrators, officials, sponsors and spectators.
Players shall show due regard to the authority of officials and the rights ofopponents, spectators and others.

2.2 An Administrator’s or Promoter’s Integrity and Responsibility

An Administrator’s integrity and responsibility encompasses all aspects of squash including relations with players, manufacturers, spectators, fellow administrators, sponsors and Squash South Africa.
A Promoter’s integrity and responsibility encompasses all aspects of squash including relations with players, administrator, spectators, manufacturers, sponsors, fellow promoters and Squash South Africa.

3. Unacceptable Conduct Subject to Penalty

4. Kinds of Unacceptable Conduct

Behaviour

Public Relations

No player, official, administrator of Squash South Africa or promoter of an event shall at any time give, make, issue, authorize or endorse any public statement which will have or design to have, an effect prejudicial or detrimental to the best interests of Squash South Africa or the sport of squash.

2. Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Players shall at all times conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner and give due regard to the authority of officials and the rights of opponents, spectators and others.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct is defined as any misconduct by a player that is clearly abusive or detrimental to the sport but that does not fall within the prohibition of any specific on-site offence.

Violation of this section shall also constitute the major offence of “Aggravated Behaviour” in 5.

5. Aggravated Behaviour

No player at any South South Africa-sanctioned event shall engage in “Aggravated Behaviour” which is described as follows:

5.1 One incident of behaviour that is flagrant/belligerent and particularly injurious to the success of the event or is singularly shocking/unacceptable.

5.2 A series of two or more violations in this Code within a twelve-month period which singularly do not constitute “Aggravated Behaviour” but when viewed together, establish a pattern of conduct that is collectively unacceptable and is detrimental or injurious to Squash South Africa sanctioned events or the administration of squash. Violation of this section shall subject a player or an administrator to a suspension from Squash South African-sanctioned events or administration for a minimum period of thirty days and a maximum period of one year commencing on the day after the expiration of the time within which an appeal may be filed or, in the case of appeal, commencing the day after a final decision on appeal

6. Player On-Site Offences

7. Drug Offences

The use of any substances or manipulative prohibited under the World Squash Federation policy including, without limitation, all prohibited substances and manipulations specified by the IOC Medical Commission is strictly forbidden.

Violation shall result in the following:

If the analysis reveals the presence of ephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, etc administered orally as a cough suppressant or painkiller in association with decongestants and/or anti-histamines and recreational drugs (such as marijuana): Maximum 3 months ban for the first offense. Two years ban for the second offense. Life ban for the third offence
If the analysis reveals the presence of anabolic steroids, amphetamine-related and other stimulants, caffeine, beta-blockers, narcotic analgesics, and designer drugs: Two years ban for the first offense, Life ban for the second offense.

8. Discipline

8.1 A Disciplinary Committee shall be constituted for:

8.2 Disciplinary Committee

Squash South Africa shall appoint a Disciplinary Committee consisting of not less than three and not more than four persons.

a) The Committee shall comprise, as far as possible, of:

The Tournament Director or Organiser
The Chairperson or, in his absence, the Vice Chairperson of the Provincial Body in the province in which the event was played.
The Legal Advisor to Squash South Africa or, failing him/her, any person with legal training co-opted for this purpose by the Chairperson of the provincial body concerned.

b) If any one or more of the persons referred to in (a) is not available then the remaining two or one (as the case may be) shall co-opt another suitable person or persons to the disciplinary committee.

c) Squash South Africa shall be entitled to request a player or administrator to give an explanation of any matters or circumstances which constitutes a breach of the Squash South Africa Code of Conduct on the part of the player or administrator. Such request will specify the matters or circumstances which Squash South Africa considers may constitute such a breach.

d) A player or administrator or promoter shall deposit a written explanation at the offices of Squash South Africa or by mutual agreement between the person and Squash South Africa give an oral explanation.

9. Disciplinary Process

The incident must be reported within 5 working days.
The province must convene a Disciplinary Meeting within 7 working days.
Penalties must be imposed within 2 working days of completion of the meeting and the appropriate parties be notified in writing.
Any appeal is to be submitted in writing to Squash South Africa within 2 working days of receipt of the Provincial Disciplinary Cmmittee’s decision .
The Squash South Africa Disciplinary Appeals’ Committee must be convened within 7 working days of receipt of the appeal.
The appropriate parties must be notified of the Squash South Africa Appeals Committee’s decision within 2 working days of the meeting.
The decision of the Squash South Africa Appeals Committee is final.

10. Squash SA Disciplinary Appeals Committee

Squash South Africa shall appoint a Disciplinary Appeals Committee consisting of not less than three and not more than four persons. The committee shall comprise, as far as possible, of:

The President of Squash South Africa
The legal Advisor of Squash South Africa, or failing him/her, any person with legal training co-opted for this purpose by the President of Squash South Africa.

If any of the persons referred to in (a) is not available then the remaining two or one (as the case may be) shall co-opt another suitable person or persons to the disciplinary committee.

11. Disciplinary Committee Enquiries

The Squash South Africa Disciplinary Committee shall:

Enquire into and hear any appeal from any decision of any Disciplinary Committee referred to in 8 hereof.
Enquire into any conduct which might be regarded as unacceptable which is reported to it or to the Executive of Squash South Africa or which otherwise comes to its attention and which has not been enquired into by the Disciplinary Committee referred to in 8 or which cannot appropriately be enquired into by the Disciplinary Committee referred to in 8.

2. The Squash South Africa Disciplinary Committee shall conduct any fresh enquiry or any appeal as soon as practically possible after being required to by the Executive to do so or after a Notice of Appeal is furnished to it.

3. No player/administrator may appeal to Squash South Africa before having first appealed to his/her provincial association.

4. When the Squash South Africa Disciplinary Committee sits as an appeal body, there shall be no further right of appeal.

5. When there is an enquiry of first instance by the Squash South Africa Disciplinary Committee into any allegation against or complaint about unacceptable conduct by any participant, an appeal shall lie from it to the Executive Committee of whom at least three, including the President, shall be present to hear the Appeal.

6. All participants who receive a penalty under the Code of Conduct will be recorded at the Offices of Squash South Africa and the accumulation of such penalties may result in a further penalty being imposed.

12. Penalties

If the Disciplinary Committee finds any participant guilty of unacceptable conduct it shall have the power to :

impose a fine not exceeding R1000.00 or
suspend that player from participating in future events: suspend the administrator from being involved in future administration: suspend the promoter from promoting future events.
suspend that player or administrator or promoter from participating in any event or administration or promotion for a prescribed period of time.

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.